Newcastle United ban on journalists not affected by new media deal

Newcastle United's long standing ban on local journalists is not altered by a new media deal.

The deal, which has been agreed between the Premier League, Football League and News Media Coalition, will give journalists access to clubs for the next “three seasons.”

The News Media Coalition is made up of newspapers and agencies, including Reuters and Press Association and the agreement covers how photographers and reporters cover matches.

A joint statement reads:

“Both parties are pleased to have agreed new access and accreditation arrangements for the next three seasons. These take into account the evolving media landscape as well as the requirements of the leagues and their member clubs. This has been achieved on a constructive basis and we look forward to working together in the coming years.”

NMC’s executive director, Andrew Moger said he believed is struck “the right balance” between the editorial-based press on one hand and the leagues’ and clubs’ own services on the other:

“The NMC represents some of the biggest news brands around, and we recognised the need for our agreement to reflect the fast-moving digital media environment.”

In effect it means that members of the NMC can publish more photos during matches and there are reduced delays on publishing digital content. Also all parties have agreed to work together “to consider issues” which arise during the period of the agreement.